Florida Homeowners Association Terror

We live in a hurricane state. From June through November, we never know if we are actually going to have any storms that approach Tampa. And if we do, we cannot be certain if we will suffer damage from the storms. Being a homeowner in this way sucks because one storm can wipe out both your home and your income while you deal with insurance claims, field phone calls, and have people in and out of your home coming to assess and [potentially] fix the damage.

In 2024, there was Debbie, Helene, and Milton stretching from August to October. The damage I saw across Hillsborough, Pinellas, and Manatee Counties was astounding. What stuck out the most to me was how some roofs and fences were severely damaged, and some were untouched…on the same street!

During that time, many homeowners found out that they had a roof deductible of $10k. So, a roof replacement approval by their insurance meant if the roof cost was $12k, then the insurance would cut the check for $2k; and the homeowner was on the hook for the rest. How many Floridians had $10k ready and available to them at that time? From what I saw, the answer seemed to be not many.

The HOA in my neighborhood, being as friendly and sweet as they want to be, sent the following is an email in July 2025 (emphasis theirs, not mine):

Hello Members,

We hope this message finds you well and you had a wonderful 4th of July holiday.

As you are aware, many homes in Vista Palms sustained roof damage during the hurricanes that impacted our area nine months ago, in October 2024. At that time, temporary blue tarps were placed on several roofs as a protective measure. While this was an understandable and necessary short-term solution, these tarps were never intended to remain in place long-term.

At this point, sufficient time has passed for permanent repairs to be made. The blue tarps have now been in place for an extended period, and their continued presence is not permitted under the community's governing standards. Homes must be properly maintained and repairs must be completed in a reasonable timeframe, especially when they affect the overall appearance and condition of the neighborhood.

If your home is still using a tarp as a roof covering, we kindly ask that you make arrangements for the necessary repairs and ensure that the tarp is fully removed no later than July 31, 2025.

Beginning August 1, 2025, the Association will begin enforcement procedures for homes that continue to have tarps in place. This may include notices of violation and other actions in accordance with the Association’s governing documents.

We appreciate your cooperation in helping preserve the appearance and integrity of our community.

Community Website: www.mygreencondo.net/vistapalms

Roger L Kessler LCAM Property Manager E: Rkessler@UniquePropertyServices.com P: 813-879-1139 ext 106 P: 813-879-1039

This threat effectively gave homeowners less than 30 days from this email to replace their roofs. This is dastardly. Do HOAs think people still had tarps on their roofs as an expression of patriotism...as holiday ornaments...or simply because they forgot? No, it was most likely financial.

This is a working class neighborhood [filled with some people who would live elsewhere if they could, but instead they live here and want to bully people who may be poorer than them so that they can feel better about themselves because they “worked hard” to get where they are]. Life in the Tampa Bay area is expensive (to me, it rivals New York). The economy is terrible [no matter how much you try to deny other people’s reality]. And it wasn’t always like this. I know this because I live and fraternize amongst the people. I don’t live in a bubble where I pretend that just because things are one way for me, they should be like that for others.

But the HOA doesn’t care. You are a member in their club in which you pay, but cannot opt out. And then they use your money to inflict harm upon you. Reasonable is one of the legal words that means nothing and is typically used against the people. What is reasonable when you don’t have the money?